For many couples, the first step toward ensuring they will have the birth experience closest to their expectations is to create a plan.

A birth plan is a written document you prepare stating your and your partner’s preferences for the birth of your child. It can be as general or specific as you wish. You can detail your preferences for something as simple as what you will wear during birth, to more complex aspects of childbirth, such as pain management and fetal monitoring.

Here are five tips to help you incorporate your birth plan as seamlessly as possible.

Think about expectations. Consider early on what you anticipate you will want on the day you give birth. Who do you want in the room with you? What about pain management? Will you be breastfeeding?

Once you’ve settled on how you envision your childbirth experience, choose a practitioner you trust to respect your wishes and communicate clearly with you when you have questions or concerns.

“It is so important you trust your practitioner to guide you through labor and to be prepared for the unexpected,” says Dr. Omnia Samra-Latif, of RWJ OB/GYN Group Hamilton.

Work together. The birth plan serves as a communication tool between the patient and her partner, and the practitioner. Share your plan with your doctor or midwife well before your expected due date to open the line of communication early.

“Preparing a birth plan allows patient, her partner and provider to collaborate and address any issues that may impact the mother’s experience,” Samra-Latif says.

Once a birth plan is introduced, it is attached to the patient’s file so that each practitioner who sees the patient is aware of her desires. A copy is also sent to the maternity unit so hospital staff can review the plan when the patient arrives in labor.

Educate yourself. The more you know about how to prepare for childbirth, the better the experience will be for you.

“I recommend childbirth classes to all of my patients – particularly those with a birth plan. The majority of what happens during childbirth is covered in these classes, so they set parents’ minds at ease,” Samra-Latif says.

Be realistic and flexible. Regardless of how much they prepare themselves for childbirth, often patients find there is one surprise for every two things that go as planned.

“The birth plan is intended to be an outline that changes as circumstances change. Patients should acknowledge that medical interventions may be necessary if complications arise,” says Samra-Latif. She adds, “As providers we respect a patient’s autonomy and right to decide on her care – however we do want patients to understand that our highest priority is a healthy mother and baby.”

Enjoy. Parenting may be one of the oldest jobs in the world, but it is new for you. Even if you’re not a first-time parent, every birth experience – much like every child – is different and full of surprises.

This content provided by RWJ University Hospital Hamilton.